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How much research does it take to write a suspense?

More than I ever expected, lol. I started learning about law enforcement. I’m lucky enough to know our local sheriff and he has been invaluable in answering my endless questions and allowing me to spend time with him on the job. For each main character that I create, I spend time discovering as much as possible about their careers. For Don’t Look, my local vet allowed me to spend time with her in the clinic, it was eye-opening to say the least.

I also travel to the locations, even if they’re imaginary, I go to the general area I want to set the book. There’s nothing that replaces first-hand experience.

Do you use real people for your characters?

There’s always bits and pieces of people I know. They can be a family member or one of my college professors. Sometimes I see someone in the grocery store and I use their physical appearance to create a character. I’m a people watcher and I’m always jotting down aspects of strangers that catch my attention.

What inspired you to write the Pike, Wisconsin series?

It was a trip to Wisconsin to surprise my brother for his birthday. We were driving through the countryside after a late spring snowstorm. The snow blanketed everything in white. You could see forever and it struck me that it would be a perfect canvas for a serial killer.

Is it ever hard to switch between genres?

It’s my favorite thing! When I finish a book I’m ready for something completely different. I love the fact I can jump into a murder mystery or delved into fantasy. It keeps everything fresh, something that isn’t always easy after 20 + years.

How do you come up with your character names?

That’s weirdly one of the most difficult parts of writing for me. I start off with names that have meaning and reflect the character or give a feel for their personality, but sometimes I can be halfway through a book and realize it isn’t working because the name isn’t right. I can change it a dozen times before I finally write The End.

How are the new books in the Guardians of Eternity series different?

They will focus on the Rebels, a clan of vampires who were banished by the former Anasso. We’ll discover how they’ve survived and the danger they pose to Styx as he attempts to bring them into his family. You’ll also get a chance to see how the old characters are adjusting to their various mates.